Latest News from Turkey
Turkey Admits Military Support for Syria's New Islamist Rulers
Turkey's Defense Minister Yaşar Güler confirmed in letters dated February 16, 2026, that Ankara is providing military support to Syria's Islamist-led government against the Kurdish-led SDF, welcoming their seizure of Aleppo. Güler rejected plans to withdraw Turkish troops from northern Iraq and Syria, conditioning any pullback on fully ensured border security and eliminated terrorist threats.
This marks an overt alignment with Damascus's new rulers following the collapse of a 2025 SDF integration agreement.
Finance Minister Şimşek Highlights Economic Progress and Disinflation Results
Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek stated at an Istanbul event that Türkiye's economic program is yielding results, with inflation at its lowest in 50 months around 31%, down from 85% peak in 2022. He noted a $63.5 billion services trade surplus, strong fiscal discipline despite $90 billion earthquake spending, and targets to keep budget deficit below 3% of GDP.
Şimşek emphasized opportunities in services like tourism and defense, amid global uncertainties.
Türkiye Urges Citizens Abroad to Monitor Security Notices Amid Iran-US Conflict
The Turkish Foreign Ministry advised citizens to check embassy updates amid US-Israel attacks on Iran and Iran's responses targeting US bases and Israel, with all flights to the region canceled. Diplomatic missions remain open, emergency hotlines active, and border crossings with Iran open, with preparations to protect Turkish citizens in Gulf countries like UAE.
No influx of Iranians fleeing into Türkiye reported so far.
Erdoğan Offers Condolences to Kuwaiti Emir Over Gulf Attacks
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called Kuwait's Emir Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to express condolences for strikes affecting Gulf countries following US-Israel attacks on Iran. Erdoğan stressed dialogue and diplomacy as the path to resolving regional conflicts, amid Iran's retaliatory drone and missile barrages.
Türkiye positions itself as a potential mediator in the escalating crisis.
Erdoğan 'Saddened' by Death of Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei
President Erdoğan expressed sadness over Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death in US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, extending sympathies to Iran's people via a post on X. The statement came amid heightened regional tensions from the attacks that also killed other senior Iranian officials.
Erdoğan, a NATO member and Israel critic, highlighted the fallout from Saturday's strikes.
Turkey Refuses Troop Withdrawal from Iraq and Syria
Defense Minister Güler explicitly ruled out pulling Turkish troops from northern Iraq and Syria, stating no decision for drawdown and withdrawal only if border security is fully ensured. This entrenches Turkey's military presence under counterterrorism pretexts.
The policy accompanies support for Syria's operations against SDF.
Inflation Hits Lowest Level in 50 Months, Şimşek Touts Success
Şimşek noted inflation now at 31%, with central bank target 15-21% and market expecting 21-22% in 12 months, crediting aligned monetary, fiscal, and income policies. He addressed Ramadan price rises critically and forecasted better financing access boosting production and exports.
Services surplus and defense innovations were highlighted.
Journalists' Union Demands Release of 3 Detained Journalists
The Turkish Journalists' Union (TGS) called for the release of three journalists detained over video footage near İncirlik Air Base. The union urged authorities to free them on Sunday.
This highlights press freedom concerns in Turkey.
Türkiye's Credit Rating Upgraded After 8 Years
Turkey's credit rating was upgraded by R&I after 8 years, citing strong domestic demand, young population, and structural economic potential supporting medium- to long-term growth. This reflects improved economic outlook.
The upgrade aligns with recent positive assessments.
Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Georgia Boost Trilateral Economic Ties
Ministers from Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Georgia met in Kakheti to strengthen cooperation in economy, energy, transport, and investment, emphasizing Middle Corridor and EU gateway role. Discussions covered production hubs, export capacities, and projects like Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway.
Azerbaijan highlighted financial stability and regional peace contributions.
Istanbul Advances Metro Expansion and Coastal Redevelopment
Istanbul's metro network upgrades aim to cut urban congestion by 30% in three years, with Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu calling it a step to smarter mobility. Coastal district redevelopment blends history with modern hubs, while real estate in free zones like Zeytinburnu rose over 20%.
Stock exchange trading volume up 12% year-on-year.